COCKERS &
CHILDREN
CSRNE does not adopt to families with children under the age
of 7 years.
Dogs and children
need your guidance and supervision to live together happily ever
after. Most dogs see children as littermates, and treat them as
such. Your dog might know not to jump up on you, the pack leader,
but she may decide it is alright to do to your children.
Dogs are easily
stimulated by the exuberance of children. To a dog, a running,
shrieking child is an invitation to chase and play rough. In
addition, children love to hug dogs. Unfortunately, in dog-language,
a hug is an attempt to dominate. If your dog resents your child's
dominance move, she might become aggressive.
It is up to the
adults of the household to supervise all child/dog interactions to
ensure a safe and respectful bond develops between the two. If you
don't have a dog now, but are planning on getting one soon, start
exposing your child(ren) to dogs and how to act around them. Help
them learn to respect each dog's space and preferences. Teach them
to only approach leashed dogs, always ask the dog's owner first, and
then to move slowly. Explain that the dog will want to sniff
them-that's how a dog identifies you.
The old method of
meeting a new dog is to offer an outstretched hand for her to sniff.
Experts now recommend keeping hands down along the sides of the
body. Dogs have such a keen sense of smell that they don't' need us
to hold hands out-and if a dog has been abused in the past she may
snap at a hand coming towards her. It is safer to let the dog
approach and sniff where she wants. Just as you will establish house
rules for your dog (stay off the couch, etc.) it is important to
establish boundaries for children in regards to your pet.
Teach your child(ren)
to never take a toy from your dog, and to leave her alone while she
is eating. Dogs are often especially possessive about their toys and
food. Kids and dogs make great playmates, but teach your children
that if they play roughly, the dog will respond in kind. Even though
the dog doesn't mean to hurt your child, accidents happen.
Playing fetch is a
better game than wrestling between kids and dogs. An excellent way
for your child to bond with your dog is to take part in training
her. Giving her treats as a reward for correct behavior is a delight
to kids, and it raises the child's position in your dog's eyes. Just
as your dog develops respect for your child, help your child do the
same. Teach your children that dogs are living beings with likes,
dislikes, and fears of their own. Help them see their pet as more
than entertainment, but as a cherished member of the family.
CSRNE does not adopt to families with children under the age
of 7 years.
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